Miyahara, S., Y. Hayashi, and J. D. Mahlman, 1986: Interactions between gravity waves and planetary-scale flow simulated by the GFDL "SKYHI" general circulation
model. Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, 43 (17), 1844-1861.
Abstract: In order to study interactions between gravity waves and planetary scale
flow in the middle atmosphere, a 3 degree latitude by 3.6 degree longitude
version of the 40-level GFDL "SKYHI" general circulation model is analyzed
using bihourly sampled output data.
It is shown by a space-time spectral analysis that gravity waves in the
mean zonal westerlies (easterlies) mainly consist of westward-(eastward-)
moving components, and carry easterly (westerly) momentum upward, and decelerate
the mean zonal westerlies (easterlies) in the mesosphere.
Zonal momentum flux convergence due to gravity waves accounts for nearly
all of the Eliassen-Palm (E-P) flux divergence in the summer mesosphere.
This convergence accounts for 30%-50% of that in the winter upper mesosphere.
However, this percentage is probably an underestimate, since the convergence
is significantly enhanced in a high resolution (1 degree x 1.2 degree) model
currently being integrated.
Vertical propagation of gravity waves is affected not only by the mean
zonal wind but also by velocity perturbations associated with planetary
waves. The drag force due to gravity waves acts to suppress stationary planetary
waves in the winter mesosphere.